Playworker Apprentice – Level 2 (Age 18+)

Course Duration: 18 monthsAnnual Salary: £15,652Working Hours: 30 hours per weekBased: MYL Adventure Playgrounds in Wythenshawe, Ardwick and Moss Side

Manchester Young Lives is a well-established charity with a 55-year history of providing free open access play, youth work and early intervention programmes for children and young people across Manchester. We also deliver tailored Post 16 programmes for young people aged 16 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan, supporting them to develop functional skills, employability skills, independence and confidence.

Our work responds to the needs of children and young people aged 6 to 24, particularly those living in disadvantaged communities. MYL is a leading provider of play in Manchester, with popular adventure playgrounds that offer safe, creative and stimulating spaces for children and young people to learn, develop, build confidence and connect with their communities. Each year, we engage and support over 3,000 children and young people through our projects and services.

We are looking for a positive, reliable and enthusiastic Playworker Apprentice to join our Play and Youth team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone aged 18 or over who is passionate about working with children and young people and would like to gain a recognised Level 2 Playworker qualification while developing practical experience in a supportive charity environment.

As a Playworker Apprentice, you will work alongside experienced play and youth workers to support the planning, preparation and delivery of open access and targeted play and youth work sessions. You will help create safe, inclusive and engaging activities across indoor and outdoor settings, including adventure playground sessions, youth work sessions and holiday playschemes.

The role will involve working directly with children and young people aged 6 to 18, supporting them to build confidence, take part in activities, develop positive relationships and have a voice in planning and decision-making. You will also work with staff, volunteers, parents and carers, and partner agencies to support high-quality provision across MYL services.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in working with children and young people.
• Is willing to complete a Level 2 Playworker qualification.
• Can work positively as part of a team.
• Is confident, approachable and able to build positive relationships.
• Has good organisational skills and can use basic IT systems.
• Is reliable, flexible and willing to work afternoons, evenings, school holidays and occasional weekends.
• Can use initiative and work with appropriate levels of independence.
• Has a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Is adaptable, resilient and willing to embrace new challenges.

Maths and English at Grade D/3 or above or Level 1 functional skills or above is essential.

Experience of working with children and young people aged 6 to 16 years, either paid or voluntary, would be useful but is not essential.

We can offer full training, a structured apprenticeship, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, regular supervision and support, and the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience with a long-standing Manchester charity making a real difference for children, young people and communities.

If you feel this is the opportunity for you and would like to be part of our amazing long-standing charity, we would love to hear from you.

Please note that CVs will not be considered as part of your application for this position. Application forms must be returned either by email to recruitment@manchesteryounglives.org.uk or by post to:

Manchester Young Lives The Addy Young People’s Centre Woodhouse Lane Wythenshawe M22 9TF

Please ensure you complete the final section of the application form, giving information about how you meet the person specification. You can use examples from education, work experience, volunteering or personal experience.

Manchester Young Lives is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The highest priority is given to following guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Manchester Young Lives is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from people with the right mix of talent, skills and potential.

The closing date for completed application forms is 9.00am on Monday 17th August 2026.